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Planning a Wedding on a Budget (Yes, It’s Totally Possible!)

Let’s be real—weddings can get expensive fast. But if you’re tying the knot on Vancouver Island, you’re in luck. This stunning slice of West Coast paradise offers breathtaking venues that are both beautiful and budget-friendly. Whether you’re dreaming of a gorgeous garden wedding, an oceanside ceremony, or a cozy indoor celebration, you’ll find options that feel like you—without the luxury price tag.

In this guide, I’ve gathered some of the most affordable wedding venues across Vancouver Island that offer serious charm and character, so you can start your life together with love (and a little extra money in the bank).

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What’s Considered “Affordable” for a Vancouver Island Wedding Venue?

Before diving into the list, let’s talk numbers. “Affordable” means something different to everyone, but for most couples planning a wedding on Vancouver Island, venues under $4,000 for a day rental are considered budget-friendly. Some spots even come in under $1,000—especially if you’re planning a smaller wedding or elopement.

Here’s a quick breakdown to give you a sense of pricing:

Venue Type	Typical Cost Range (Daily Rental)
Public Parks & Beaches	Free – $600
Community Halls	$500 – $2,000
Small Private Venues	$1,000 – $3,500
Elopement-Only Locations	$0 – $1,000
Airbnb/ Rental Properties	Varies widely – $500+

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Affordable Vancouver Island Wedding Venues (That Still Feel Magical)

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1. Beacon Hill Park (Victoria)

Best for: Elopements and intimate ceremonies
Rental Fee: Permit (check with City of Victoria for most up-to-date information)

This lush downtown park is one of Victoria’s most iconic spots—and it’s also an incredibly inexpensive spot to say “I do”. Think seasonal gardens, willow trees, and ocean views just steps away. It’s ideal for a romantic, low-key ceremony surrounded by nature.

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2. Saxe Point Park (Esquimalt)

Best for: Oceanside weddings
Rental Fee: Permit (check with Township of Esquimalt for most up-to-date information)

A local gem overlooking the sea, Saxe Point offers stunning waterfront cliffs, forested pathways, and a peaceful, tucked-away feel. There’s a designated ceremony area with room for BYO seating that’s perfect for weddings with up to 100 guests.

Scroll down to view some photos from a summer Saxe Point Park Wedding! ⬇️

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3. The Gardens at HCP (Victoria)

Best for: Garden weddings in a fairytale setting
Rental Fee: $1,000 – $4,800

Meet a hidden gem that’s lush, vibrant, and full of character. There are a few ceremony and reception options on-site, depending on the size of your wedding. It’s especially popular for couples looking for floral surroundings in Spring and Summer.

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4. Goward House (Victoria)

Best for: Indoor/outdoor weddings on a budget
Rental Fee: Up to $3,500 – (based on an hourly rental)

This heritage house feels like a secret venue tucked in the city. With a wraparound porch, wooded trails, and cozy reception space, it’s ideal for weddings with 50–110 guests.

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5. Strathcona Park Lodge (North Island)

Best for: Weekend-long celebrations
Rental Fee: Depends on how long you will be staying! Contact their team for the most up-to-date rates.

For couples who want to turn their wedding into a mini-getaway, this eco-friendly lodge offers waterfront views, rustic cabins, and communal fire pits. Great for adventurous souls who love the outdoors.
P.S. Did you know that Strathcona park is the oldest park in British Columbia??

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6. Prospect Lake Community Hall (Victoria)

Best for: Laid-back celebrations in a natural setting
Rental Fee: $1,300

With its plentiful outdoor and indoor space, Prospect Lake Community Hall is a local favourite for budget-conscious weddings. The large hall includes a kitchen, bar, and enough room for dining and dancing with up to 148 people. 

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7. Glenora Community Hall (Duncan)

Best for: Larger ceremonies and receptions
Rental Fee: Starting at $450

Located in the heart of the Cowichan Valley, Glenora Hall is surrounded by farmland and mountain views. It has a full kitchen, outdoor space for the ceremony, and lots of room to party afterward—perfect for those DIY weddings with a touch of countryside magic.

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8. Strawberry Vale Community Club (Victoria)

Best for: Relaxed, larger events
Rental Fee: Starting at $450

This cozy venue includes a bright hall, kitchen facilities, and space for about 175 guests. It’s centrally located in Saanich, making it an easy and accessible choice for couples hosting both ceremony and reception in one spot.

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9. Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion (Esquimalt)

Best for: Elegant weddings with park and waterway views
Rental Fee: $1,000 – $3,000 (based on hourly rental of one of their two floors)

This stunning waterfront venue offers both a modern feel and a connection to nature. With floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the Gorge, it’s a beautiful blank canvas for couples looking to bring their vision to life. You can rent either the upper or lower floor separately, which helps keep costs manageable if you don’t need the entire space.

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10. Renting an Airbnb or Private Property

Best for: Personalized, intimate weddings
Rental Fee: Varies widely – $500+

Renting an Airbnb for your wedding can be a great way to combine weekend accommodation and venue in one. Look for listings that allow events (not all do), and always check with the host before booking. Some properties come with stunning gardens, waterfront views, or unique architecture that make for unforgettable backdrops.

Pro tip: Message the host with a clear description of your plans as a first step. It can be difficult to know if they allow weddings and events just from the listing.

Looking for inspiration? Check out this wedding at one of my favourite vacation rentals in Jordan River! 

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If There’s One Area NOT to Cut Corners, Let It Be This.

Here’s the thing about weddings: the food gets eaten, the music fades, the flowers wilt… but your photos? They last forever.

You’ve poured your heart into this day—from choosing the venue to writing your vows. Photography is what keeps those memories alive, letting you relive the joy and emotion for years to come.

While I wouldn’t label myself as an “inexpensive photographer,” I will say this: I’m absolutely worth it (she said so modestly – heehee!). You’re not just hiring someone with a camera—you’re choosing someone to preserve your story with care, creativity, and connection.

The importance of investing in the right wedding photographer cannot be overstated!

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Real Wedding Story: Zoey & Adam’s Wedding at Saxe Point Park

Zoey and Adam wanted a Jewish wedding that felt both traditional and deeply personal. Saxe Point offered the perfect backdrop for their ceremony: ocean views for their portraits, a shaded area for their ceremony, and a beautiful, yet affordable venue. They kept things simple—bringing in a few chairs, a handmade chuppah, and their closest family and friends.

Love note from Zoey + Adam: “Aly is an artist, a wizard and a true gem. She is dedicated, a hard worker and truly in love with what she does. Aly’s excitement is contagious and we cannot recommend her enough!”

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Tips for Saving Even More on Your Wedding Venue

Go off-season. Late Fall, Winter, and early Spring often have reduced venue fees.
Keep your guest list small. Fewer guests = more venue options and lower costs.
Choose weekdays or Sundays. Saturdays book fast and are priced higher.
Ask what’s included. Some venues provide tables, chairs, and décor—others don’t.

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Let’s Make Some Magic!

If you’re planning your wedding on Vancouver Island and looking for photography that feels warm, real, and full of joy—I’d love to chat with you. From backyard “I dos” to garden parties and oceanside vows, your love is worth documenting beautifully.

📩 Get in touch to tell me all about your wedding day!